Mike Silvers, CPRC, Owner, Silvers Systems Inc. and FRSA Director of Technical Services
This time of year, many of us reflect on events that have taken place over the course of the last 12 months. For many of FRSA’s volunteers and staff members, it is not only the end of the year but is also the culmination of the Florida Building Code (FBC) triennial code cycle, which will end with the implementation of the 8th Edition (2023) FBC on December 31, 2023. During those three years, a great deal of work has been completed. We have reviewed nearly 2,000 proposed code modifications through two separate phases. We’ve taken positions on those that will even remotely impact the roofing industry. We have also introduced numerous modifications of our own, some of which were described as ambitious (and in hindsight that description was definitely accurate). Despite the fact that some of our positions faced long odds, we persevered and ultimately were able to achieve nearly all our goals.
FRSA has several important committees that help evaluate these proposals and formulate our positions. Codes Committee reviews our progress and approves proposals during meetings held in conjunction with the quarterly Board of Directors meetings. These meetings are well attended, usually with standing room only. The interest shown demonstrates how important the building code has become to our members. This large committee always has a waiting list of those who want to participate. We value the input and guidance we receive from this dedicated group.
Another important committee is the FRSA-TRI High Wind Concrete and Clay Tile Installation Manual Review Committee. This is a joint FRSA-TRI Alliance committee. During the last two code cycles, this group not only updated the manuals in other areas and have needed to produce two different sets of tables per code cycle to accommodate the possible adoptions of new ASCE 7-16 and ASCE 7-22 standards for wind uplift requirements.
The committee was also deeply involved in our efforts to strengthen tile underlayment requirements and to expand the available options for underlayment statewide, including in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), which is made up of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. A great deal of heavy lifting is accomplished by this dedicated group. The group is comprised of representatives from all segments of the tile roofing industry, including roofing contractors and consultants as well as tile, underlayment and adhesive manufacturers.
FRSA’s Codes Subcommittee is also comprised of well-versed professionals from every segment of the roofing industry. Some members of this committee also share their time and input on the previously mentioned tile manual review committee. For several long months during the code development cycle, these volunteers are asked to review large numbers of proposed code modifications that have been flagged for consideration. Committee members help compose the language and rationale needed for our modifications. Comments are formulated for submission during the Florida Building Commission and Technical Advisory Committees’ meetings. I refer to many of these members as “Code Warriors,” for regularly participating in these meetings and for their unwavering dedication. They are also asked to attend many meetings at FRSA headquarters as well as many web-based meetings during the code process. These individuals and their companies graciously devote their time and energy to the larger cause.
Individually, these volunteers are accomplished and proven industry performers. What they do collectively as a team – to build consensus and improve roof systems and the codes that govern them – is even more impressive and improves the industry overall. As issues arise throughout the year, I often request their input and advice for assistance in answering technical questions that pertain to their areas of expertise. Several donate additional time and effort to provide technical seminars and training for industry professionals.
The volunteers on these committees are involved in and are kept up to date on, the code and technical changes as they are being formulated and adopted. They often return to their companies and become ambassadors who willingly share the information gained during this process throughout the industry.
As we look back on what has been accomplished and start looking toward the work that remains to be done, we are fortunate and I am sincerely thankful to have these esteemed members’ and our hard-working staff’s continued dedication to our very important industry.
Many previous code-related and technical articles that discuss our previous work can be found at the following links on the FRSA website:
Tyler Allwood – Eagle Roofing Products
Maury Alpert – Polyglass USA
Joe Byrne – Byrne Roofing
Tom Gans – TCG Roof Inspections
Tim Graboski – Tim Graboski Roofing
Greg Keeler – Owens Corning
Mark Moretto – AAM Industries
David Mull – Avery Roof Services
Paul Oleksak – Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions
Rick Olson – Tile Roofing Industry Alliance
Manuel Oyola – Eagle Roofing Products
Tom Parker – TCParker & Associates
Mike Silvers – FRSA
Jerry Vandewater – Crown Roof Tiles
Riku Ylipelkonen – Standard Building Advisors
Charlie Kennedy – Gainesville Roofing & Company
Tyler Allwood – Eagle Roofing Products
Maury Alpert – Polyglass USA
Bill Boyer – Duro-Last Roofing
Joe Byrne – Byrne Roofing
Stephanie Daniels – Atlas Roofing Corp
Sal Delfino – Peterson Aluminum
George Ebersold – George Ebersold
Tim Graboski – Tim Graboski Roofing
Greg Keeler – Owens Corning
David Mull – Avery Roof Services
Manny Oyola – Eagle Roofing Products
Tonya Steele – Millennium Metals
Trevor Switzer – Gold Key Roofing
Riku Ylipelkonen – Standard Building Advisors
Mike Silvers, CPRC consults with FRSA as Director of Technical Services. Mike is an FRSA Past President, Life Member and Campanella Award recipient and brings over 50 years of industry knowledge and experience to FRSA’s team.
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